Controller



J. H. SMOOT April 13, 1948.

CONTROLLER Filed May 3, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 M t V arrow/vars April 13, 1948.

J. H. smco-r 2,439,699

CONTROLLER Filed May 3, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 55 t I q Mm! i INVENTOR 101m H Smaof BY M v A;

HTTORNEYS Patented Apr. 13, 1948 CONTROLLER John H. Smoot, Darien, Conn., assignor to Trans- Lux Corporation, New York, N. Y., a. corporation of Delaware Application May 3, 1945, Serial No. 591,645

4 Claims. (-01. 177-353) This invention relates to a structurally and functionally improved controller and in its more specific aspects aims to provide a circuit-controlling mechanism useful in numerous different associations such as in the governing of a conrol mechanism and sign generally disclosed in United States patents to Unkles et al. 2,343,594 of March 7, 1944 and 2,422,149 of June 10, 1947.

In certain aspects, it is a primary object of the invention to furnish a controller which will present alternative structures and different functional characteristics over the forms of controller disclosed in the prior United States application to Bert W. Roth, filed in the Patent Office on July 27, 1944, and identified under Serial Number 546,884 now Patent 2,437,790, granted March 16, 1948.

A further object is that of providing a controller in which the actuating or code bars or their equivalents are operated in a positive manner such that circuits controlled by these bars will be efficiently opened and closed.

A still further object is that of furnishing a device of this type and in which the code bars or equivalent structures may be instantaneously shifted to desired positions and in response to the closing of certain controlling circuits.

Moreover, when so shiftedand in accordance with the present teachingsthe parts will preferably remain in the desired positions for a sufiicient interval of time to adequately accomplish the functions attributable to them; thereafter returning to inoperative, or'positions at which they are potentialized for further operations.

- An additional object is that of designing a controller in which frictional losses are reduced to a minimum. Thus, the operation of the controller may be relatively fast, the parts of the same will not tend to be distorted or become unduly worn, and, moreover, but minimum power will be required to secure efficient operation of the apparatus.

Another object is that of furnishing an apparatus of this type which will include relatively few parts, each individually simple and rugged in construction, these parts being capable of manufacture according to quantity production methods and being, moreover, capable of ready assemblage. When so assembled, a unitary structure will be furnished which will operate over long periods of time with freedom from all difliculties and which will, moreover, require a minimum of maintenance or servicing operations.

With these and other objects in mind, refer- 2 illustrating practical embodiments of the invention, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective and somewhat exploded view of the essential portions of a mechanism with certain of its parts broken away to disclose underlying structures; I

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary side view of certain of the parts as shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a View similar to Fig. 1 but showing an alternative form of mechanism;

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic side view of one of the relay elements as shown in Fig. 3; and

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary side view of a still further form of mechanism constructed in accordance with the present teachings.

It is preferred that the primary operation of a controller constructed in accordance with the present invention be secured by associating it with various forms of mechanism presently marketed by the Western Union and its subsidiary or affiliate corporations. Examples of these mechanisms are to be found in the United States patents to Kleinschmidt 1,448,750 of March 20, 1923 and Noxon et a1. 2,252,232 of August 12, 1941. Apparatus such as is disclosed in those grants might generally be termed automatic typewriters or transcribing machines. They depend for their operation upon impulses of electrical current originating from a transmitter ordinarily operated by a tape formed with rows and permutations of perforations.

The details of the transmitter, perforated tape, the current path, etc., have not been illustrated in the present drawings. Sufilce it to say that the structures which may be and are used in this connection are well known to those skilled in the art. Also, while the present invention has been shown and described in conjunction with a mechanism basically similar to an automatic typewriter or imprinting machine, it is apparent that a different power mechanism might be employed.

Thus, as shown in Fig. 1, the reference numeral 5 indicates a group of permutation bars formed with slots 6. These are moved laterally by means of suitable coils (not shown) or alternative assemblies in response to electrical impulses received by these assemblies or coils. Extending adjacent the permutation bars 5 are drop-in bars 7. The latter are biased towards the permutation bars by, for example, springs 8. Selector bars 9 may be coupled one to each of the drop-in bars 1. Where this apparatus has been heretofore employed as a typewriter, the selector bars have enceishad to the attached sheets of drawings been coupled, either directly or indirectly, to

3 type-carrying bars which cooperated with a platen or other sheet-supporting surface upon which indicia was to be imprinted.

Preferably disposed immediately below the permutation bars 5 is a bail or rake member it! which operates cyclically. When the rake extends outwardly as illustrated, it prevents any drop-in bar from-moving into a groove or recess as definedby an aligned group of'notches Bin the several permutation bars. Under other conditions and when the rake or bail ID has been" shifted so as to not act as a stop or obstruction;

one of the bars 1 has been free to move into notches 6 aligned in response to'the shifting "of the permutation bars 5. This will have'the efi'ect that that drop-in bar I has now been swung under the influence of spring 8 .ton lpositionat .be simultaneously closed as the next adjacent row o'fswitch elements passes the setting head station.

Accordingly, and as taught in the afore identified Roth application, a bank of switch elements 7 corresponding'in-number to the number of setwhich the edge of the rake II] will swing within its notch H. Therefore, as the bail or rake-moves upwardly, it will engage'against the end edge of the notch and correspondingly -move the drop -in bar I upwardly. This, in turn,-will have the-resultthattheselectorbar S connected-t0 the given bar 1 will likewise beswung. *As the rake or bail 'l'fi continues to operate, it will "move" the bar 1 out of the plane of the permutation bars fi. It may also assure that-"bar T returns to its normal position, in which the particularbar I will now engage the extended edge portions of' one or more of the permutation barathe notchesfi of which are no longer aligned with the particular bar 1. For a full understanding "of the *operation of these portions "of the mechanism, reference is had to the aforementioned Kieinschmidt' and Noxon et al. disclosures. Suffice it to say that in accordance with the present teachings the parts of the standard mechanism beyondthe selector bars Si-may beeliminated.- Infa'ct, except as a 'matterfiof convenience for *mountingof the drop-in bars I, -the selector 'bars 9n'1i'ght, themselves, be dispensed with. In this connection and 'as will hereinafter be more apparentthe switchingmechanisms-mightbe'conveniently'connected to any desired "and proper part in order to assuretheir atuation.

"However there is-retaine'daspartorthe-standardassembly-theshifting mechanism. This may include as shown" levers P2 generally corresponding to: the "drop-in bars 1. These are operated ina manner "similar to,"or else identical with,

the operation'ofthesebars. Secured-tmthe lower ends ofeach ofthedevers'orbarsI Zare-cam'memhers E3. Extending between'the =latterisa red I 4 which may mount adjacent its"0ut61 ends "followers or contactportionslBiOr'engagement with the surfaces "of'the 'cams I 3. Therod M is conveniently mountedby'a block l6 slidablydisposed between *rails l1. Secured tothe block is a stem 58. Beyond this, the more or less conventional mechanism is dispensed with "and the structure of thepresent'controller substituted.

vOne practical application of a controller "constructed in accordance with'the present 'teachings is-as afore brought cut -to be "found in associatingthe same witha sign control andsystem as generally disclosed in the afore 'identified Unkleset al. patents. "I'he problem involved in such. an installation would "be that of having-the proper elements or plungers of 'the *settinghe'ad assembly disclosed in that patentyproject or become operative in' response to'an actuation of a corresponding drop-inbar'l. Considering a-dropin bar '1 corresponding to the one which would normally "cause fthe "letter fA fto be imprinted, then it is desired substantially"instantaneously *tingheadcelementsris provided. These switches are connected one to each of the setting head :"el'ements'. 'Therswitches have, in the appended drawings, .been indicated by the reference nu- 'meral'|"9. "As illustrated,.they each include a pair of arms insulated from each other and having normallyspac'e'd contacts. Whenone of-thearms is sliift-ed towards the -'other, a circuit through both 'arms i's completed. As-Wil1 readily be-appreciated, these switches might take one of numerous different forms and -might, in fact, form part of the actuatin'gshaft hereinafter described.

Similar to the disclosure of the Roth application, the bank of -=switch--elements l 9 is mounted upon a rotatable shaft 2%. An. actuating rod 21 maybe -secured to the switch assembly and connected to -'a lever 2 2 which is pivotally mourited 'as at 2 6. By means of -a s'lot 23 formed in the lever 22, rod 2 I may be -operative1y coupled thereto. The opposite end of the lever 22 1s coupled by 1 a pin "and slot connection 25 with the extensionor stem Itsecured totheblock I6. It therefore follows as this-block-or its equivalent isshifted incident to an-actuation-of-one-or the other o'f the bars Z I the'bank of switches mounted by-the -shaft 20 will 'besswung to occupy one of-t-wo-extreme positions.

Actuating or code bars 25 are preferably disposedin =a sdbstantially vertical plane. Each of these bars, .asin-"Fig.-'2,' carries projections'or pins Zl. "'The' latter are on each bar arranged according to predetermined permutations such that corresponding switches in the bank F9 and in turn, for example, in the setting' head of the sign control will beioperated. Such operation will cause a desired letter, character or numeralto be established in the sign new "conceding that the *present controller is --employed in such an association.

A coupling' between these pins or --projecti0ns of -'-the bars "26 and the switch-elements 'may be secured by suitably supporting for rotation two rows or hanks-of shans za. 'These shafts "may terminate'iniheads29, each carrying crank arms 30. Flapsor extensions- 1%| m=ay,-in any given pair of shafts, be disposed in opposed relationship. The adjacent edges of these flaps "or extensions are spaced a distance slightly in excess 'of the width-of bars -26. '-It therefore follows that-the bank or *row of bars -26 may be 1 disposed in "the spaceintervening the rows of flaps or extensions 3|. As 'afore broughtout, the cranks 30 may, if desired, form a 4 part of the-circuit -closing elements. 'GtherWise, and as-shown,*they-'may"serve to-actuate-theindividual switchelements. When shaft ZU'is rocked to a' forward position asillustratedin thedrawingfthe-cranks -Silo fthe forwardrow-ofshafts 2 8 -will-causeoperation of the switch elements, When shaft 20 {has been-'0p erated to a point at which the longer "arms of the switches overlie the cranks 30 of the rear row, then the latter will operate the switch ele-'- ments or directly close the circuits as their shafts 28 are oscillated. Under such circumstances, the forward row of shafts, while turning under the influence of forwardly extending pins or extensions 21, will not cause any direct actuation of the switch elements.

As will readily be appreciated, the power required to elevate the actuating or code bars 26 may, in certain instances, be relatively high. This will be especially true when quite a large number of switches are to be closed incident to a. high number of projections or pins extending from any given bar. Also, if switches of the type shown at I9 are employed, it will be understood that the resistance to movement of these elements increases in direct proportion to the degree to which they have been shifted towards closed positions. In order to provide a simple and efiicient structure, by means of which a positive shifting of the individual bars 26 will occur and such that each switch element will be properly closed, it is preferred that electro-magnets 32 may be employed.

Only three of these have been illustrated, but it will be appreciated that a number is employed which corresponds in number to the actuating bars 26. Ordinarily, in, for example, a machine such as is disclosed in the Unkles et al. patents, it will only be necessary to employ twenty-six code or actuating bars. Each of these, by permutations of pins or projections 21, will provide for a reproduction of one letter of the alphabet. Certain of the bars will have a dual function. In other words, there will be set up on their rear edges permutations of pins or projections 27 which will cover reference numerals to 9 inclusive and two or three symbols, Thus, twentysix bars and magnets will be adequate.

Each of the electro-magnets 32 will include a spring-projected armature 50. This armature is connected to an actuating element 33. The latter forms a part of a leverage system and may be in the nature of a wedge. Conveniently, the degree of projection of the armature may be limited by a stop 52. If desired, there may be embodied in the structure of the magnet a hold-in provision. In other words, when the circuit through the winding is closed, the armature will be immediately projected. Upon interruption of the circuit, the armature will remain in projected position for an interval of time. This interval will ordinarily not be in excess of it; of a second and in many installations may be as little as of a second. The actuating elements 33 cooperate with head portions 34 forming parts of the bars 26, and especially the inclined edges 35 thereof. These bars may be suitably guided and, in any event, should be anti-frictionally supported, for example, by rollers 53 at points adjacent the zone of the wedge elements 33. If the inclined faces of the wedges 33 and the cooperating inclined surfaces 35 each extend through angles of 22 /2, it follows that a projection of one of the wedges 33 for a distance of, for example /2 inch will raise a corresponding bar 26 a distance of A; inch, These distances may, of course, be varied and the angularity of the faces may likewise be varied.

As will be appreciated and with the magnets deenergized, the wedge elements will slightly overlap the ends of edges 35. This will maintain the bars 26 in supported condition and so that they will not drop. With the leverage afforded by angles of 22 /22 it is apparent that, in effect,

6 a two-to-one ratio is provided. Accordingly, the bars 26 are lifted in a positive manner and such that one may be assured the corresponding circuits will properly be closed. This structure also has the advantage that by using electro-magnets in preference to other elements a unit is furnished which develops increasing power as the armature moves to attracted position. Such a result is to be desired in that during the initial stages of elevating any given code bar relatively minor resistance may be encountered. As this resistance increases, the power with which the Wedge element 33 moves also increases. Thus, no difficulties will be experienced in that connection.

In order to control the energization of the magnets, switches 36 are employed. These again correspond in number to the number of drop-in bars I, the number of electro-magnets 32 and code bars 26. As illustrated, the magnets are preferably arranged in staggered relationship so that standard units may be employed without an undue crowding of the mechanism resulting, If the magnets are arranged in the form of two rows, one above the other, then, for example,

' alternate bars 26 and particularly the head portions 84 thereof extend in two different planes. Similarly, the switches 36 are conveniently disposed in staggered relationship and the actuating heads 31 of the bars I may extend in adjacent bars in opposite directions as shown in Fig. 1. Various other arrangements of the parts will readily suggest themselves and in order that the mechanism may be practically and efficiently confined within a space of reasonable dimens10ns.

If it is found necessary to provide a mechanism to assure a retraction or return of the parts to their normal positions, this may be achieved in a manner similar to that disclosed in the afore identified Roth application. Thus, a rod 33 may be movably mounted above the ends of the bank of bars 23. Normally, this rod is maintained in retracted position by spring-pressed bolts 33. Cams or other suitable units cooperating with the upper surfaces of the heads 34 of the bars may serve-when actu'atedto depress the latter against the action of the springs. When so depressed, the rod will contact the end of any head portion 34 of any code bar which does not, under the influence of gravity, tend to drop to its lowered or normal position. With the cams or their equivalents 40 actuated in properly timed relationship and after all code bars are to assume their normal or depressed positions, it follows that any improperly elevated code bar will be depressed to that position. Likewise, there may be attached to the rod 38 a rod 4! which may extend into the spaces intervening the inward projections or flaps 3!. This rod may carry the pins or projections 42 to engage one with each of the flaps or extensions. Therefore, any shaft 28 which has not, under the action of gravity or otherwise, returned to its normal position will be shifted to that position as the rod 38 is depressed.

Under certain instances, difficulties might be experienced in assuring a positive retraction of the wedges 33. To overcome this, pins 6.3 may be secured, one to each of the wedges. These pins may be engaged by a sweeper bar 44 which is periodically swung rearwardly, or to the right, as viewed in the drawings. This bar, as well as the cams 40 or equivalent actuating mechanism 7 for the rod 38 may lbe actuated :by electromagnets.

All of .the ioregoing mechanisms mayib'e'modiiied in 1 numerous particulars =and certain :of the samemay be dispensed 'with i'f itis found unnecessary to employ them. "Moreover, the structure of the several units may be changed innmnerous respects and, iii desired, the :code or :actua- V ting bars 26 need not :necessarily be disposed ina vertical plane. Howeven'it is dfinite'lypreferred that these loarsbe :actuated bya leverage system which conveniently has as its primary force-an electro magne't rather than to havesome expedient such as'that of -pressin-gthe bars 26 to circuit-closing positions by springs which 'are'released by suitable mechanisms and then broug'ht back to initial or :potentia'lized condition by, ior example, leverage or wedge systems; 'It is found in this connection that by having the code bars disposedin a substantially vertical planegravity will ordinarily eiiect .a return .of the '.parts to normal positionwithout' the necessity of employ-- ing any supplemental springs or similar expedients Thus, as in-Figs. 1 and '2 and with theparts set up in the manner aforedescribed, it '-will be assumed that the permutation "bars 1 5 are actuated so thatin aggregate a single notoh is presented. This-may be entered by th'e-drop-in Lbar aligned therewith. It will be appreciated that this -peration will occur when the bail-or rake is in a position permitting of this. 'Thereupon, the 'bail r-rake member l'flwill enter thenotch H o'f the shifted dr0p-=in bar *1 and elevate it. Assuming that the latter, rather than the sele'otor bars 9, actuate the switches 36, it follows that the head portions 31 wiIIshi'ftth switch parts to close the circuits. With such "closing, a "corresponding electro-magnet 3'2' will be energized. fiss the dropin oar 1 returns to its normal position, the-corresponding switch -36 "will be opened, thus interrupting the circuit. As afore-broughtoutjf it is found that the electro-magnet 32 should remain energized foraperiod of time in excess of that during which the switch-36 is closed, then a hold-in provision embodied in the-electromagnet will provide "the desired results.

With-the energization of a particularmagnet 32, the inclined surface -35 of the h'ead 34 of a code bar which has hereto'fore been merely supported bya'wedge'elementifi extending from the magnet 'will have a camming efiect transmitted to-it. This will result in the code bar s -be'in'gelevated to a desiredextentandwith-sufficient force to assure closing of what niig'ht'be termed all the secondary circuits through the switches [9. Also, these switches or their functional -equivalentswiH remain closed for the .entire period :of time i(as aiorea-broughtzout) thatzthe magnet remains, reflect, energized audits wedge element .remainsiprojected.

As .has beenpreviously seen, the drop-in bars carry permutations of pins or projections 21 by means .of which the desired switches .are closed. This .iollows .as a consequence .of .the projections or pins engaging the flaps or extensions .31 aifixed to the shafts .28 and rotating these shafts .so that the cranked will cooperate with'the desired switches [9 to close circuits through them.

Whether such closing results in an'en'ergization of circuits such that, for example, a *letterrather than a numeral or character is displayed will depend upon the position "to '-which the block It has been shifted. "Obviously, when "one of the bars f2 is shifted "as a consequenceof the actuation oi ithezp'ermutation bars, its Loam .portion t3 will' eooperatekwithithe rods M tomovethe block Hi and fits-extension 18 :in one direction. When the otherzbar LtLis shiftedgits cam portion will return ith'e block 16 andzconnected parts to their original pctiitions. iDiepending uponthe position of the block IS, the assemblyo'fswitches 19 will be correspondingly shifted. Wherever :one of the actuating :Jo'ars 26 has :a dual function, then, regardless of such shifting, -a subsequent operation of th'eibar 'will cause a closing-of-.selected switches :of the bank or group I9.

'VQJFiOHS GthGI' forms "of mechanism for accomplishing theidesired results may be constructed within fthe teachings .of the present invention. As :illustrativelo'f one of these, :attention is :next directed to Figs. Band 4. lIn thefirst ofthese figures, :a mechanism corresponding generally to that illustratediin Fig. .-l has heen shown. However, ..'in this 'form of zmechanism, the lever 12,

instead zo'f shifting ahank or :group'of switches t3, sserves :to iShift, ifor K example, an element 54 of :a switch :assembly. Thus,this=e1ement may bridge the space between contacts 55 or 56. Conveniently,.these contacts are connected-to a. commonzsource :of power supply 5.51. However, leads 5,8 and $9 extend from the different pairs of contactsziandi are coupledirespectively 'to a series oflrelays E0 or aseries ofirelays fil. The former are relays :of athe letter type whereas the latter are zrelays of :the :numeral -.or symbol type.

.nsiillustrated especially in Fig. 4,:'eachof these relays serve to operate .a -multip1icity of switch el'ementsifiZ. From ;'the later, leads 53 extend to the innits ito :be energized (for example, *the elements of lthe setting head :as disclosed fin the aforementioned illnklesiet 521. patent) LeadsB l,

in :aiidition:toibranchesaoi Bleads :58 :andz59 extendfrom each .relay. SI'hese ileads 16 i are connected one to :each :of the :switohes as previously descrihediin'con1iection=with :1.

will bezappareritiin this-form of=mechanism,

the switches 35 awillzbesclosed or. .actuated:asheretoinreidescribe'd. :Depending upon the position of the"shift:mechanism, ;current.:iiow will .occur through :eitherzleads .58 or iharto potentialize and operate neither one :of the t-series of.'re1ays .60 or one (of l-the series .of zrel'ays ifil. 'Ilrxerefore, with the :closing rof 2a :predeterminedswitch .36, acorrespondin mela willziuntion. .This will result in :a :closing :of :uh'e SWitch' elements 6 2 controlled thereby :in :order ilt'o energize 'the several .leads oonrtectedito the switches .to zthus operate the mechanisms acoupled .to ;these .leads. .Again, .a disciorzsoeoalled:hutton'fi Eimay. heassociated-with the relay and "serve :as a fhol'dein :provision ato assure :that ':-the :switches .62 :remain :closed :f or :a sufficientiinterval 11f time such :thatan adequate functioning 10f the :mechanisms :coupled therewith :occurs.

depending upon the position idf ;the switching mechanism :54, either :the :leads F3 .or 59 will :floe cener-gized to correspondingly :potentialize eitherithenseries 10f irelays Bil -.or :a: .for operation. With the :nlosing roi any switch :36 cnnnectedxto an individual :relay :that relay .will accordingly actito zclose tthesgroup of switches 62. Thus, a' mechanism is again furnished in which the force of movement of the drop-'in bars -'|-is greatly magnified whentranslated into'a force whih=serves tooperate the group 'ofswitches.

A similfar result 'may he obtained by the mechanismshown somewhat"diagrammatically'in Fig. 5. inthat view, the referencenumeral '65 tindicate'scan;actuatinglhar corresponding tonne of 9 the bars 26 as in Fig. 1. Again, a power-transscribing mechanism such as is shown in the former view is employed. Switches 36, individual to the drop-in bars I, are utilized. These switches serve to control a flow of current through magnets 61. The latter correspond in number to the number of actuating bars 65. Bell-crank levers are pivotally coupled one to each of the actuating bars 65. Each of these levers comprises an arm 66 and an arm 66. The latter serves to normally maintain the arm 66 in the position shown in full lines. The magnet 61 may cause a shifting of the bell-crank to the position indicated in dotted lines. In series with the magnet 61 is a relay 68. The latter may have I a hold-in provision or button 10 and a delayedaction provision or button 69. An armature H in the form of a switch is actuated by the relay 68. When this switch is closed, lead 12 is energized to cause a flow of current through magnet 13. The latter is connected to operate a bellcrank lever 14. This may conveniently carry a rake or bail 15 which will have a path of movement beyond the arm 66 of any of the individual bell-crank levers except when the latter are in retracted positions.

Thus, in this structure, it is apparent that with the operation of any drop-in bar the corresponding switch 36 will be closed. This will assure an instantaneous energization of magnet 61 to swing the bell-crank lever 66-66 from the position indicated in full lines to that indicated in dotted lines. In such a position, the arm 66 will intersect the path of travel of the bail or rake I5. With the current flow continuin through the relay 68, the latter will be energized to close the switch II. This will cause current to flow to the magnet 13.

However, the latter will not be energized to operate the rake 15 until an appreciable interval (for example 1 w to /25 of a second) has elapsed after the closing of the switch 36. Therefore, the rake 15 will not shift until arm 66 has been attracted by magnet 61 to a position where it will be engaged by the rake or bail. It is for this reason that the delay provision or structure 69 is provided as part of the relay. Having in mind that switch 36 may very quickly open after it has once been closed and the fact that the actuating bar 65 should remain in elevated position for an appreciable interval of time, the reason for the hold-in provision or button 10 will be apparent.

More particularly, as the rake l5 swings upwardly, it will thrust against the arm 66 of the bell crank lever. This thrust will result in an elevation of the actuating bar 65. With, now, the relays 68 remaining energized (again for an interval of, for example, from t; to /25 of a second) beyond the time that the switch 36 is opened, it will be apparent that the mechanism of the controller as shown in Figs. 1 and 3 may be potentialized for the operation of a further bar 7 and switch 36 without this interfering with the continued elevation of the bar 65. After the interval of time has elapsed, the bail will permit the actuating bar to lower and the bell-crank lever 66 will shift to its normal position.

As afore brought out, a number of actuating bars 65 are employed. The number conveniently may be twenty-six to correspond to the number of letters of the alphabet. A corresponding number of magnets 6! are utilized, one individual to each of the bars. The same is true of the lever assembly 66-66. In view of the tact that the "10 relay 69 simply serves to energize and de-energize the magnet 13 or equivalent bail-operating unit, either a single-relay 68 may be employed or else a number of the same may be provided.

In the former instance, the leads from all of the magnets 61 will be coupled to that relay. In the latter instance, any desired number of relays (for example, twenty-six) may be utilized. The switches H of these relays are connected to energize the lead 12. Only a single magnet E3 or its equivalent is necessary.

Thus, it is apparent that among others the several objects of the invention as specifically afore noted are achieved. Obviously, numerous changes in construction and rearrangements of the parts might be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

I claim:

1. A controller including in combination a group of movably mounted, notched permutation bars, a group of drop-in bars movably mounted to be extendable into the notches of said permutation bars, means for shifting those dropin bars which are so extended, a group of switches to be actuated by the shifting of said drop-in bars, power multiplying means connecting said latter bars with said switches whereby the shifting of any drop-in bar will produce sufficient power to operate the switches connected therewith, a lever movably mounted to be extendable into the notches of said permutation bars and means controlled by the movements of said lever for rendering certain of said switches inoperative to be actuated by the shifting of any predetermined drop-in bar.

2. A controller including in combination a group of movably mounted, notched permutation bars, a group of drop-in bars movably mounted to be extendable into the notches of said permutation bars, means for shifting those drop-in bars which are so extended, a group of switches to be actuated by the shifting of said drop-in bars, code bars movably mounted and connected with said switches to operate the latter and power multiplying means connecting said code bars with said drop-in bars whereby the movement of said code bars will produce suflicient power to operate the switches connected therewith.

3. A controller including in combination a group of movably mounted, notched permutation bars, a group of drop-in bars movably mounted to be extendable into the notches of said permutation bars, means for shifting those drop-in bars which are so extended, a group of switches to be actuated by the shifting of said drop-in bars, code bars movable mounted and connected with said switches to operate the latter, electromagnets connected to said code bars to forcibly shift the latter and further switches individual to each of said electro-magnets and operable in response to a shifting of the drop-in bars whereby the shifting of the latter will through said electromagnets and code bars transmit sufficient force to actuate said group of switches.

4. A controller including in combination a group of movably mounted, notched permutation bars, a group of drop-in bars movably mounted to be extendable into the notchesof said permutation bars, means for shifting those drop-in bars which are so extended, a group of switches to be actuated by the shifting of said drop-in bars, code bars movably mounted and connected with said switches to operate the latter, electro-magnets connected to said code bars to forcibly shift magnets and codes bars transmit suflicient: force" to actuate: said group 0f; switches: and; means for -retarding the deenergization. of said; electromagnets after any'of therfurther switches connected therewithhave been opened JOHNrH; SMOO'P.

REFERENCES. GITED- The following refrences= are of record" in. the file of this patent:

STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Re. 20,462 Kleinschmidt Aug. 3,1937

Number:

7 Number 192,285

Name Y Date Waterman Oct. 24, 1905 Arnold Dec. 20, 1910 Swoboda July 9,- 1918 Tanner Man'15, 1927 Gardner Nov. 14, 1933 Knodle Nov. 10,1936 Nelson July 20, 1937 Cunningham June 6, 1939 Krum Dec. 12, 1939 Marrison- Dec.-. 30, 1941 Young Aug. 20, 1946 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great" Britain Feb. 1-, 1923 Greatv Britain Aug. 9, 1937 Germany Oct. 4, 1935 

